Terry scores own goal, Chelsea loses 1-0 at Palace

LONDON (AP) — Chelsea captain John Terry scored an own goal to gift Crystal Palace a 1-0 victory on Saturday, weakening the west London team’s grip on the Premier League lead.

The veteran center back headed Joel Ward’s cross past his own goalkeeper, Petr Cech, seven minutes into the second half at Selhurst Park.

Chelsea’s first loss to Palace since 1990 means Manchester City could topple Jose Mourinho’s side from the summit by beating Arsenal in the late game.

This was Chelsea’s second successive away loss following a defeat at Aston Villa two weeks ago before beating Arsenal 6-0.

And this time there could be no grounds for Mourinho to complain about the referee. In fact, only Palace could have cause to grumble at Lee Mason’s officiating, as twice in the space of two first-half minutes the referee rejected penalty claims when Gary Cahill challenged Cameron Jerome and then Yannick Bolasie.

Both might have been given in other circumstances but Palace, which was organized, resilient and dangerous on the counter-attack, put the incidents behind them to earn victory.

Tony Pulis’ Palace had chances before and after Terry’s mishap. Bolasie was unable to convert from a cross, while Jerome hit a post.

Palace goalkeeper Julian Speroni twice denied Eden Hazard, the second a fine save when the Belgium midfielder was through one-on-one.

But Palace ended a five-match winless streak with a much-needed victory that put them five points clear of the relegation zone.